Norwood, New Jersey, United States
Dr Cory's Guiding Light
Should Your Other Dog Be Present During In-Home Euthanasia?
Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is one of the hardest decisions a family can face. When the time comes for in-home euthanasia, many pet parents wonder: Should our other dog be present during the process? While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, understanding the emotional needs of both your terminally ill pet and their animal companion can help you make the most compassionate choice.
Dogs Grieve, Too
Just like people, dogs experience grief. They may not understand death the way we do, but they notice absence—and they certainly feel the emotional energy in the home. If a bonded companion suddenly disappears, the remaining dog may experience anxiety, confusion, or even depression.
Being present for the euthanasia allows your other dog to witness what happened. This can help them process the loss and reduce the likelihood of distress from “not knowing” where their friend went.
Signs It Might Be Helpful
You may consider allowing your other dog to be present if:
They are strongly bonded and spend most of their time together.
Your companion is calm and not overly anxious in unfamiliar situations or around the veterinarian.
You want to provide closure for your other pet as part of the grieving process.
Many families who choose to have both pets together find that the surviving dog sniffs or gently checks on their companion afterward, then quietly walks away—almost as if they understand.
When It Might Not Be Ideal
On the other hand, there are situations where it may be better to keep your other dog in a separate room:
If they are very excitable or anxious, which could add stress for the pet being euthanized.
If the in-home setting becomes overwhelming or chaotic with multiple animals present.
If you’re worried the experience might frighten the surviving dog.
Every pet is different, and their reaction can vary widely. Some may pace or whine, while others may seem indifferent. It’s okay to make a judgment call based on your knowledge of their personality and behavior.
Aftercare and Reassurance
Whether or not your other dog is present, it’s important to monitor them in the days and weeks following the loss. Offer extra comfort, maintain routines, and give them time to adjust. Just like us, pets need time to grieve in their own way.
A Peaceful Goodbye, Surrounded by Love
One of the many benefits of in-home euthanasia is that it allows families—and pets—to say goodbye in a familiar, peaceful environment. If you’re unsure whether your other dog should be present, feel free to discuss it with your veterinarian ahead of time. We’re here to support your entire family, both two- and four-legged, through this tender experience.
As pet parents, we wish our beloved companions could tell us when they’re hurting. But pets—especially cats and senior dogs—are often incredibly skilled at hiding their discomfort. This makes it challenging to know when something is wrong until the pain becomes advanced. At Dr. Cory’s Guiding Light, we believe that understanding the early signs of pain is key to ensuring your pet lives with comfort, dignity, and the love they deserve—especially in their senior years. Why Pets Hide Pain Hiding pain is a survival instinct for animals. In the wild, vulnerability can make them a target. This instinct remains strong, even in our well-loved pets at home. That’s why it’s important to watch for behavioral changes, not just dramatic symptoms. The BEAP Pain Scales: A Tool for Awareness The BEAP Pain Scales, developed by MN Pets, are a compassionate resource that helps caregivers identify signs of pain in both dogs and cats. BEAP stands for: Behavior Energy Appetite Posture Let’s break this down for each species: Signs of Pain in Dogs Dogs may not whine or yelp when something hurts. Instead, they may: Limp or have trouble standing up and lying down Sleep more or appear withdrawn Show less interest in food or play Become irritable or more sensitive to touch Avoid stairs, jumping, or long walks they once enjoyed Signs of Pain in Cats Cats are notoriously stoic and often mask pain until it’s severe. Look for: Grooming less or appearing unkempt Avoiding high surfaces they used to jump on Hiding or isolating from the family Reduced appetite or subtle weight loss Restlessness or a change in sleep patterns What You Can Do If you recognize any of these signs, it’s time to act. Don’t assume your pet is “just getting old.” Pain is not a normal part of aging, and support is available. Schedule a veterinary evaluation Discuss pain management or hospice options Consider an in-home consultation where your pet feels most comfortable Compassionate Support in Bergen County, NJ At Dr. Cory’s Guiding Light, we offer in-home assessments for senior pets and those with chronic conditions. Whether your pet needs pain management, hospice care, or peaceful in-home euthanasia, we’re here to help with warmth, dignity, and deep respect for your bond. Serving Bergen County and surrounding areas. Contact us to discuss your pet’s comfort or to schedule a visit.